UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 37, Page 12
July 22, 1993
Helpful hints for summertime recyclers

     The University community is involved in an ongoing recycling program.
These suggestions can help employees avoid common mistakes.

     * Look before throwing trash away-Contamination is one of the biggest
problems limiting the effectiveness of recycling. Newspapers and magazines
are the main culprits of contamination. These items cannot be recycled with
white or co-mingled paper. Do not place these items in white-paper-only
folders or in blue, desk-side containers. Instead, designate an empty
cardboard box as a newspaper or magazine recycling receptacle. When it is
full, take it and its contents to any Recycle Delaware site.

     * Sorting is important- Summer is a prime time for changing offices
and cleaning out stacks of old files. When sorting through piles of old
papers and other unwanted items, see if anything can be recycled. Get
several clear plastic bags (available from the building custodian) and
designate one for white paper, one for co-mingled/colored paper and the
last for old newspapers or catalogs. Use a regular trash bag for
un-recyclable items. Once sorted, make two piles distinguishing trash from
items to be recycled. Then, either leave a note for the custodian, or, if
there is too much for one person to handle, contact Plant Operations and
request a pick up.

     * Use water soluble glue -- Publications was forced to send over 1,000
catalogs to the landfill last year because the type of glue used in the
bindings prevented recycling. Only paper products bound with water-soluble
glue can be recycled. When placing a publication production order, ask for
water-soluble glue to be used in the bindings to ensure that the product
can be recycled.